Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Sensible compact SUV choice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By aerojack - May 23 - 8:06 pm

  As best as I can remember, one editor from the Car & Driver once wrote about the 03 (or 04?) Honda Accord: "...the richness in quality and in contents embrace its owners so much that they dont care if the prestigious cars are parking next to them..." This phrase also applies to CR-V SE. Parking next to my brothers 03 Lexus RX300 and I dont care if people want to make a comparison. That is because I own 05 CR-V SE.

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  09 Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dere - May 23 - 8:23 am

  I initially had every intention of buying an 09 Civic. I test drove the Accord and fell in love with it. For three thousand more than the Civic it is a no brainer. I love it.

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  Its a Honda!!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ToughStar - May 22 - 10:45 pm

  I have had this car 8 months now. I commute about 100 miles a day & this thing cannot be beat. Fast, fun sporty. I still average 32 mpg, important especially now with gas at $4 a gallon. I have put 16K on in 10 months. I expect it to last me to 250K miles, as long as you perform proper maintenance. I have done a few small upgrades & am seeing even better mpg sometimes, no need to buy a new Honda. But will buy another again. Thanks Honda for doing what you do best, building some of the best cars in the world.

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  Not another cheap copy - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By irongod21 - May 22 - 3:03 pm

  I love love love my ridge. A solid frame and body construction can you say stronger than yours the avalanche doesnt compare Ive driven both and that Honda is the better Ive only got 300 mi on mine and Im getting 14.7 mpg in town that beats out most trucks after the break in period I love the exterior looks and it is extremely comfortable I bought the bottom of the line to save $$$ how many trucks out there have all the engineering and safety features on the bottom trim level that they have on the top Honda

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  I love this car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By JA - May 22 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my Fit a little over a month ago and Im on my 5th tank of gas. Ive havent had as much fun driving a car since my first VW a long time ago. My mileage is great -- between 36 and 38. This is not interstate driving, but short commutes, some city, lots of rolling hills. Im concerned about the clearance since I live where there is a lot of snow and mud. And I wish the seat had a height adjustment -- I use a small pillow. My only other complaint is that the seat fabric and the carpet look and feel cheap. But if youre looking for space, fun, great fuel economy and a reasonable price, this is your car!

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  Mileage Suffers in the WV Hills - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Adam from Charleston - May 22 - 11:36 am

  My wife and I have owned our Redrock Pearl Odyssey Touring for about a month now and we are loving it! The Odyssey has decent power, great build- quality, and sporty handling (for a minivan). Add to this a fantastic dealer experience and you get a couple of converts to all things Honda. Although my wife doesnt think that it is quite as "cool" as the 2002 Volvo S60 AWD we replaced with the Odyssey, we are both very impressed with the overall design and features of this van. We purchased this vehicle from Lester Raines Honda in South Charleston, WV and they took nearly $3,000 of the sticker. We also recently leased a 2005 Accord LX V6, so maybe we were given the "bulk" discount?

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By HondamanCan - May 22 - 9:26 am

  This has been the most exciting and well built car I have driven to date. It is very sporty. It has a lot of pick up and the short shifter is about as easy as a manual gets. An all around great car and a great purchase.

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  What a car!?! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By James O. - May 22 - 8:47 am

  My 2004 Accord EX is without question the best car I have ever owned (am will likely own). In four years I have not had a single issue with it, both interior and exterior. Routine maintenance and a little TLC leave her running and looking great. An added bonus is the fantastic fuel efficiency now that gas is through the roof. On average, she gets close to 30 mpg. If you are considering buying a Honda, this particular model will serve you very, very well.

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  Mostly Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By "AR"VanOwner - May 21 - 9:43 pm

  We test drove the 2004 Sienna, but the Odyssey had the seating flexibility, safety features and features that we wanted at a lower price than the Sienna. Although the Sienna XLE had some nice features that we would have liked (telescoping wheel, fog lights, 3rd row sunshades and rear auto climate control), the seating configuations, locking storage, power and economy, and being a 2005 model sold us on the Odyssey. Still, Id say it depends on what matters most to a potential buyer.

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  Costly , should not have problems - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By J.B. - May 21 - 8:34 pm

  The van has had AC problems from day one! The air went out on a trip and could not get it fixed. The AC still does not get as cold as our GMC pick- up. For a van costing over $30,000 it should have a perfect AC. The struts had to be replaced early after purchase. The front end feels loose and sometimes makes noise. Road noise is terrible. The van is attractive, comfortable seats and nice quality of leather. When you are sweating because of AC that does not cool enough that pretty leather sticks to your body! I would not purchase another Honda van. the gas mileage is only 17 and our GMC pickup gets that!